What is Incontinence?

Incontinence is not a disease, but a symptom. It is defined as a condition, where a person experiences involuntary urination or bowel movements to an extent that affects the person's social life in a negative way.

Incontinence is an involuntary loss of urine or bowel motion at an inappropriate time or in an inappropriate place. The amount can vary from slight to copious. It is important to remember that incontinence is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying disorder.

Incontinence is Common

Incontinence is a bigger problem than most people realise. In fact, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 9 men will suffer with incontinence at some point in their lives. Approximately 20% of women over the age of 40 have some degree of urinary incontinence.

Unfortunately, incontinence is still considered to be a taboo subject with many individuals suffering in silence without getting any help and it is estimated that there are 16 million people in the UK that suffer with incontinence.

The risk of becoming incontinent increases with age, but 70% of people with symptoms of incontinence can be cured or greatly improved with the help of a medical professional.

For further advice or information regarding incontinence issues contact:

Promocon

Disabled Living, Burrows House, 10 Priestly Road, Wardley Industrial Estate, Worsley, Manchester, M28 2LY

Helpline: 0161 607 8219

www.promocon.co.uk

ERIC

36 Old School House, Britannia Road, Kingswood, BS15 8DB

Helpline: 0845 370 8008

General Enquiries: 0117 960 3060

www.eric.org.uk

Bladder & Bowel Community

7 The Court, Holywell Business Park, Southam, CV47 0FS